David Abbott, Gund Foundation executive director, said in a statement that Playhouse Square “is one of Cleveland’s great success stories” and that the gift “helps ensure that Clevelanders will continue to enjoy the arts and cultural programs that take place in its beautifully restored theaters for years to come.”

Playhouse Square president and CEO Art J. Falco said that the Gund Foundation “has been a great supporter of the arts and of Playhouse Square for many years. We are grateful for this gift and excited to begin restoring what will become known as the George Gund Foundation Lobby to its former glory.”

The Ohio Theatre, the first of the five historic Playhouse Square theaters to be restored, was badly damaged by fire in 1964. During its early 1980s’ renovation, Playhouse Square said, “funding and time would not allow both the auditorium and lobby to be fully refurbished.”

While the auditorium was restored, “a simple, contemporary design was created for the lobby,” according to the release.

The current lobby walls will be torn down to expose the original structure this July, Playhouse Square said. Scaffolding will be erected so the theater can remain open during the renovation, which will include ornamentation sculpted by hand, the re-creation of murals and fireplaces, painting and new carpeting.